What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder of unknown causes that impacts how a person perceives the world and how they interact with others. It can cause sensory problems, as well as difficulties with social interactions and communication. The symptoms vary, but the disorder is characterized by limited and repetitive patterns of thought and behavior.
Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually can cause difficulties functioning in society. Social interactions may become challenging with family, in school, and with peers. Children generally show symptoms of autism within the first or second year of life.
Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered different diagnosis such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder otherwise non specified. Some people still use the term “Asperger’s” to describe a mild end of autism spectrum disorder.
While there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorder, early intervention can make an important difference in the lives of many.
Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually can cause difficulties functioning in society. Social interactions may become challenging with family, in school, and with peers. Children generally show symptoms of autism within the first or second year of life.
Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered different diagnosis such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder otherwise non specified. Some people still use the term “Asperger’s” to describe a mild end of autism spectrum disorder.
While there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorder, early intervention can make an important difference in the lives of many.
Signs of autism spectrum disorder
Some children show signs of autism early on, like making little eye contact, not responding to their name, or an apparent indifference to their caregivers. Others may develop normally for the first few months or years and then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills that they had already developed. But signs are usually apparent by 2 years of age.
Each person with autism has a unique pattern of behavior and level of severity. People call that being “low functioning” or “high functioning”.
Some children on the autism spectrum have a hard time learning in school. They may have lower intelligence in some areas than neurotypical children, and normal intelligence in other areas. Others may display normal intelligence or even a higher intelligence than their neurotypical peers in specific areas. However, they may have trouble expressing themselves or applying their knowledge to everyday life, or they may have difficulties adjusting to change and social situations.
Autism spectrum disorder can be a complex mix of symptoms in each person, making it hard to determine its severity. Generally, the severity is based on the level of disruption it causes in normal functioning.
Each person with autism has a unique pattern of behavior and level of severity. People call that being “low functioning” or “high functioning”.
Some children on the autism spectrum have a hard time learning in school. They may have lower intelligence in some areas than neurotypical children, and normal intelligence in other areas. Others may display normal intelligence or even a higher intelligence than their neurotypical peers in specific areas. However, they may have trouble expressing themselves or applying their knowledge to everyday life, or they may have difficulties adjusting to change and social situations.
Autism spectrum disorder can be a complex mix of symptoms in each person, making it hard to determine its severity. Generally, the severity is based on the level of disruption it causes in normal functioning.